\:3v:>\ 



ttit Passing «t iililliam mcKinley. 



HPoem 



« « By €rne$t Rugb Fitzpatrlck* « « 



Printed by the News Publishing Co., 
Pontiac, Illinois. 



THE LIBRARY ®F 

GONGRESS, 
Two CopiM. Receives 

FEB. m «902 

, OOPVfMOHT BNTRV 

CLASS ^XXo. Mo. 

5^2. ^ 7 r 

C«PY B. 






j9<) 









To Kin^ Hd-ward VII and to President THeodore Ikoosevelt 
— tHe Rulers of tKe t-wo , EnglisH-spe«Hmg Natlrt?*.*^— thia i? 'vbi^ 
spectfuUy dedicated, *J^ ^ yf ^ yf »j»«j» *Ji *|» 



Copyrighted according- to Act of Congress by the Author, 1901. 
(English rights applied for.) 



THE PASSING OF WILLIAM M'KINLEY. 



O Destiny! ruthless in thine inexorable might! 

That slays the nation's best, regardless of the wrong or right, 

Or even of those mighty issues, that so tierce and so long 

Have surged around our ship of state, in growth so rapid yet so strong 

What in your lap you hold, what great purpose you have in store, 

Is still unknown to us; pity our weakness we implore. 

Great men have lived and died, enriching country and their race; 

Caring naught for life, if bat men their ideals did embrace; 

Sacrificing many a joy, their country to conserve; 

Striving for the good of all, least for themselves reserve. 



These men are found in every age, our race to beautify. 
Ye Powers of Darkness ! Question their goodness I defy ! 
Our best, our greatest, and our strongest, do we freely give 
That men may learn sad lessons, that righteousness may live. 
The divine light that guides us closer to our Father's fold; 
Is trying as now by fire as the smith refines his gold. 
Bringing back in God's mercy, those wandering, straying sheep, 
That have left a father's home, the wages of sin to reap. 
To sing a song of sadness, drawn from mine inmost soul; 
To bring forth afresh those tears, that we as a nation whole 
Did shed in contrite sorrow, that brought us near to God. 
This is now my mission, and by that newly turned sod. 



2 



To keep fresh the lesson taught, lest should we forget too soon, 

Kevertlng to Indifference, before the changing moon. 

The nation's head was bent in grief, a nation's pride was hurt; 

All party strife was stilled in death, all unseemly mirth 

Was hushed by that world-wide sympathy pertaining to those hours, 

Sad thoughts and anticipated death with its dreaded powers 

Did fill our souls with anguish; for a while life lost its charm 

Before a stricken chief; not yet full meted the great harm, 

For life did linger yet awhile, as if to mock our grief. 

E,elying upon God's mercy alone we found relief. 

With broken hearts and heads bowed down, mercy did we supplicate, 

But He with infinite wisdom, His will to us did indicate; 

3 



In taking to Himself our chief, tliafc we this cup should drinl<: 
In humble penitence, on our past misdeeds to sadij' think, 
Our false pride to set aside, our false ideas to renounce; 
Drawing this people to Himself, further blessings to pronounce; 
For me to speak of this crime, against a nation's chosen head, 
Further must we trace it back, not merely as the bullet sped. 
The wretched assassin sought this superb man's life to take; 
Seeking with devilish cunning and skill, new perverts to make 
To those doctrines, that would destroy all faith in God and peace. 
Tumult wouid reign upon the earth and all civil law would cease, 
Each man being a law to himself; until plunged in depths beneath, 
Civilization would stand still and all progress end in sleep. 

4 



Perchance human life itself here no longer could remain; 

Man would destroy man and our Earth encumbered with her slain, 

Would look upward to Heaven praying for instant death and hell. 

The spirit of man departed in foolish pride will she rebel; 

No longer wishing to remain a sphere will seek her grave 

In endless space, annihilation will she boldly brave; 

Of this martyred and great man let me sing and write awhile, 

Endeavoring to learn of him' when he was yet a child. 

Born in the State of Ohio, in the year eighteen forty three, 

At the town of Niles, without herald or pomp or mystery. 

From cradle to grave he developed so lofty a mind, 

That all through these long years none could scarce a blemish find. 



5 



Earnest from his yoabb. obedient to iiis parents' will, 

Proud in effort and fond of work he did their hopes fulfill. 

Not reared in affluence, nor yet in that extreme poverty 

Seen by some of our byeone great, not his such misery. 

Strong was his trust in God learned in childhood lisping days, 

As frolicsome and full of life around his mother's knee he plays. 

How could a government and country like ours long continue, 

If the young are not taught the fear of God and evil eschew? 

This cannot be done by state or church, nor yet by Sabbath school; 

Nor imparted could this be, by professors or by rule. 

Take down our churches and our. school buildings reared so great, 

Neither can do us lasting good in a self constituted state, 



Unless our mothers instill into our opening minds 
Those great principles of truth. Trutlis that we shall ever find 
Useful in all ouv great efforts. Planting in our hearts those seeds 
That would carry the iiuman race to higher and to lofoier deeds. 
In this good man's life we see how a mother's loving care 
Planted true seeds of greatness hi the child she bare ; 
Those seeds taking root brought forth a great and goodly crop, 
That shed a blessing around his life; nor did liis death stop 
His great services to the state, country and to his race. 
Nothing could his loved memories out of our hearts efface. 
A faithful wife gave that mot'ier a daughter's care and love 
Until the angel trumpet called her to her rest above. 

7 



She bad borne tbis great man, William McKinley, whom now we moarn; 

Sbrack clown by a madman's fell hand, him whom no man ill bad borne; - 

Casiinsf the nation in sadness, in misery and in shame, 

Teaching man to execrate even liberty's very name; 

Men mast learn that liberty extended, can no license give 

To man's baser nature, and that justice alone can live 

Where human freedom guards and protects each man's sacred right, 

Tbat wealth and poverty sliould be held equal in the law's sight. 

Thus while slavery cursed the land, vengeance cried to God ; 
And He in His omnipotent way, applied the scourging rod. 

Tbe land was plunged in war; blood flowed as if in a stream. 

No home but mourned its dead. Phantasm of a horrid dream ! 



Eising Phoenix-like from ashes, the country upward sprang, 

Qncursed by human slavery, liberty's true bell we rang, 

Telling all peoples of the earth we had removed a stain 

From our escutcheon, .and from a great nation's name. 

While this struggle lasted, William McKinley, where was he? 

Seeking some sinecure or distinction? Tell me where may he be? 

Enlisted a private in the ranks, taking his chances like a man; 

Determined to fight for the^country, despising all who ran 

Away from stern duty's call, for no coward had we here, 

Even in the darkest hours when all seemed lost, and despair 

Had seized upon the nation's chiefs, and hopes light but faintly flickered 

William McKinley lost not his faith in God, but greatly stirred 

9 



To deeds of higher effort, to his fellows he imparted 

His zeal, energy and devotion, he was whole hearted. 

No slaggard was he in war, ready if called to die 

And to meet a soldier's death, unstained by any infamy. 

For three years he fohowed the banners of victory, 

Throaffh many a hard day's march and long watch as sentry. 

Then leaving the army with honors and increase in ranis, 

He with thousands of others into civil life haclsward sank, 

Never again to be disturbed by civil strife and civil war. 

Wiiat strife he was to have in future, was in words before the bar. 

Now came his hardest task, his own battle in life to figlit; 

To serve his country as statesman, he'd strive with all his might. 



10 



PuttinR his shouJder to the wheel and with this object tixed, 

He spent many an hour in worlc, seldom in play he mixed. 

His labors began to bear fruit, then at last came the day 

When he was called by parby vote, a leading part to play. 

Whate'er he did. he did with all his might and with all his will: 

Seeking with high purpose to make greater advancement still. 

Thus upward did he pass, making warm f'-iends where'er he went, 

Indefatigable, in mental effort many hours he spent. 

His sterling qualities of mind and open honesty. 

Won the confidence of all, nor had he an enemy 

That caused him any useless fear, for kindness itself to all. 

He drew men to himself; the worthy in friendship he did install. 

11 



Thus with care he proceeded to lay the foundations 

For that name he was to build, to be honored by all nations. 

All his goodness readily did admit, for they perceived 

That lying under that great heact, his gentle nariure stood revealed. 

From honor to honor he advanced, nor was he daunted 

For a moment, nor did he appear until he was wanted. 

Seeking no honor for which he was unsuited in the state; 

Thus with the utmost modesty, that charm of the really great, 

He rose in power, in intellect and in people's estimation. 

That in which he believed, he believed with deep conviction. 

To admit his able arguments, many a one he brought. 

What they themselves had considered wrong, thus he wrought 

12 



A change in public opinion; lie always himself pleaded 

J^'or a patient iiearinsr, which he readily too conceded. 

Thus from year to year, he gained repute and numerous friends; 

He hcj'd that protection would conserve the country's varied ends. 

New conditions had arisen here unknown in the world's history. 

These had brought into being other conditions. This was no mystery. 

These caused reconsideration of well-accepted principles. 

The principle of protected industries. No miracles 

Did he expect, but thus thought he, that this great country, 

Vast in size, stretching from sea to sea so mightily, 

So rich in agriculture that the soil need but be scratched 

To obtain a living from her bounteous hand unmatched, 

13 



Nowhere was there such, lying prepared and ready at man's hands, 
To be had for toe simple biddina-. All these virgin lands, 
Lands to be given without price to those who came across the sea. 
No questions were to be asked as to race, creed or country; 
All were treated alike. Dutch, French, Jew, British or Eussian, 
Many came and acquired lands, men of all trades and station ; 
Thus the country vastly increased in wealth and in population; 
Under the blessings of free'government without discrimination. 
No one felt the hand of tyranny, all was peace and plenty. 
Mr. McKinley said : ''We could fill all store houses that are empty. 
The vast agricultural resources throughout tiie land should pay 
Something toward building up the industries of the present day, 

14 



Thus stimulating tiie output of all raw production; 

Nor sliould tliey demur, but help in the country's re-construction, 

For they owned the land, and it had increased in valuation; 

Land which they had acquired with little cost from the nation. 

Nor were they long kept from the possession of their estate, 

Then until their revenue came they had not long to wait. 

He stood upon these principles and held to thjs contention, 

That we have forty-eight gi'eat states or commonwealths in the nation. 

All with vast and rapidly increasing areas of agriculture, 

The yearly increase in plowed lands alone made safe the venture 

Of high protection of the growing industries of the people; 

To stimulate our mines and mills and make business stable, 

15 



Causins tliis countuy to be greaC and vastly prosperous, 

Eich and prosperous far beyond the dreams of avarice." 

Thus did McKinley dream of a united contented land, 

As be became the spokesman of those who firmly took their stand 

Upon the principles of great protected industries. 

Many believed and to limit import from foreign countries, 

Supported his policy, which the country then tried 

With great apparent success, for a time was laid aside 

All opposition. His tariff was made the law of the land ; 

And prosperity smiled under the guidance of his master hand. 

This stimulus being removed, however, production was curtailed. 

Men were thrown out of work and many dire want assailed. 

16 



TroubJe overtook the coantry, and vaoranc.y was rife, 

The volume of money became a cause of heated strife. 

Some said that, "Scarce money made a very dear dollar, 

The worlvingman's troubles would cease and want disappear 

If silver were freely coined and money made cheaper, 

That those who possessed the dollar wished to make them scarce, 

Because the more of workino^man's toil they could purchase. 

They would thus the toiler enslave, and libeuty would die 

Strangled to death by money's power," so did they cry. 

"These arguments are base," quotli Mr. McKinley, nor did he halt 

Until all heard his words, "If the workingman is to earn his salt. 

Open the mills and mines, and the mint for itself will care, 

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Leb our factories be running, America tlien can dare 
Look btie wiiole world in btie face, and compebifcion defying 
Employ all idle hands, wibli brade demands alone complying." 
Thus spoke McKinley and the country iisbened bo his voice, 
Placed him in power and since in plenty has rejoiced. 
Then Cuba in the throes of her revolutionary woes, 
Drew the gaze of our people who, unwilling to make foes 
Of the brave Spaniards, had' endured for naany years 
The irritation of war and trouble not wholly theirs. 
In this neighboring island the people appealed in vain. 
At last this republic so far heeded their piteous strain, 
That representation was made to the government of Spain 

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To mitigate these ills; bat tiie great Canovas was slain 

By an assassin's liancl, thus clianging iiistory's coarse, 

For no otiier in aii Spain did possess suflflcient force " 

Or Icnowledge of ourselves; lience when lie was foally killed, 

It made the roles of the two countries the harder to be filled. 

Tlien came the morning when throaghoat the length and breadth of tlieland, 

The news sprea^d fast that the Maine was blown up nc^ar the Spanish strand, 

The nation filled instantly with revenge, fierce and deep, 

Demanded to be led to war, ready in blood to steep, 

If by blood the cruel insult could only be wiped out. 

"Not so." said our President, "let us establish beyond doubt 

That the vessel was blown up, not from within but without. 

19 



Having proved this by scientific investigation, 

Being sure we are rigiit, we siiail not piace tliis great nation 

Into any false position, we sliall be free those steps to take 

To end the wrong in this adjacent land, new precedents to make, 

That henceforth no great human wrong can long survive 

Near our shores; our nation will somehow contrive 

To end that wrong, by letting loose the dogs of war." 

So spake Mr. McKinley, and a 'great deal more. 

The country plunged in war wiiether wrong or rignt. 

Girded its loins and put forth its giant might. 

Our President with great foresight and care found liow Old England stood, 

Conscious that her moral aid would be so great a power for good 

20 



That no nation would have the daring to interfere, 

The Old Land stood firmly by the N'ew, there was little fear 

That the Lion would forsake his Whelps. Then at the mast head 

We unfurled Old Glory, and our peaceful garments shed. 

Of the course of that war I will taut sing a few lines; 

Telling of Dewey's victory, how he crossed the Spanish mines! 

For three hundred ye^irs or more the Filipino land, 

Spain had held in conquest, ruling with an iron liand. 

For years insurrection had lasted there, much blood had flowed; 

No hope there seemed for those people, none sympathy bestowed. 

On the breaking out of war between ourselves and Spain. 

They made good use of opportunities long sought in vain; 

21 



When Dewey gained his victory in Manila Bay ; 

Tiiese dusky Filipinos did to our forces point the way 

To the conquest of all those islands, so numerous and lich. 

What happened then, and how their ire was raised to such a pitch ! 

War raged between those who were once allies, 

Waged with those to whom we'd given war supplies. 

JSTor did we cease until the flag was raised throughout the land 

And another power implanted midst the Oriental strand. 

While on the field our soldiers were one in spirit and aim ; 

At home we were divided : some maintaining that abstain 

Had been placed upon our honor, a tarnish on our flag; 

Many holding that the war was unjust, and bound to drag 

22 



Tliro' many weary years, some that our government was at stake, 

And many feared fclie rupture of peace and for peace sake 

Counselled less fierceness in this great battle of ideas, 

Many said there was more in this than what to us appears. 

Having an opportunity to record their will, 

The people returned McKinley v^^ith greater powers still. 

The country settled on a mucli hroader basis, 

The people more contented since^ the war crisis. 

The Stars and Stripes will henceforth float forever in tlie Orient, 

Making us a world power in the Orient and Occident. 

Our President was able to grapple with tlie new conditions. 

So great a change had we undergone from our old positions; 

23 



A "master-hand was needed at the helm, and that was McKinJey's; 

Few could have juade the transition so quickly and vet so calmly. 

The people were perplexed owing to the money problem; 

Some wanted gold and some silver, it was hard to please them; 

Mr. McKinley stood for the single standard of value; 

Mr. Bryan firmly held that silver should still continue 

To be freely coined as gold, and without discrimination. 

Thus did the classic contest wage causing perturbation 

In business and industrial circles; until on it the people voted; 

The gold men were returned to power, nor was a wrong act committed; 

Men were glad when this great classical contest was over, 

•■'Then all was quiet on the banks of the Potomac river." 

24 



Having a freer hand McKinley desired to end the war early ; 

Trouble was brewing in far-off China, where he acted promptly, 

Malfing our good influence felt among other nations. 

The^Great Powers also commended our moderations. 

China had set the whole civilized world at defiance, 

Our troops were ordered there, all liaving perfect reliance 

In the nation's chief, knowing that he would preserve our honor; 

More glory and prestige was gained, yet to this very liour. 

Few Icnow tlie great dififlculties we had to overcome. 

But. in the end all turned out well, then our troops came home; 

And here at home our money was placed on a safer footing; 

Our trade increased by leaps and bounds, ourselves astonishing. 

25 



Our crops were good, great and bounteous, and brought good prices; 

Our factories and mills were busy, all kinds of devices 

Were tried, business had regained its confidence and courage; 

Our mines were worked to their greatest lioidings; at no age 

Of toe world's commercial history was this scene beheld, 

All nature seemed in league with us, as if to firmly weld 

Our prosperity into our very national life. 

Greater in importance did we rise, willing that all strife 

Of former days should be forgotten; for fear had seized 

Upon us that this confidence might perhaps be a disease 

That would react upon ourselves, bringing great calamity 

Upon the nation. Wise men shook their heads in mystery. 

26 



So great was the prosperity promised by McKinley, 
Tliat neitlier extravagance nor speculating wildly 
Could show that confidence was misplaced by the whole nation. 
For all joined in this prosperity, men of all ranks and station- 
Fears were soon dispelled by advances steady, firm and solid, 
And reckless prodigality further venture did not forbid. 
So great was our prosperity, that at one bound we sprang 
To a foremost place among Che nations without a jealous pang. 
Many were the praises given us, praises for our great worth. 
Converting this boundless continent into the greatest one on earth, 
Making the desert to bloom into a garden. Surely time well spent; 
Taking the surplus of all nations, drawing them to this continent— 

27 



Mr. McKinJey rendered another service to tiie nation, 

With one hand he drew the southern states into closer anion, 

Closer than they had been since the civil war, closer to our bosom, 

Making kindly feeling, out of once sore hearts, to outward blossom. 

The other hand he stretched across the seas to Great Britain ; 

He drew the Anglo-Saxon into a closer fold, making certain 

The peace of the world, if this union could but be cemented. 

Having performed this herculean task, fully was he contented 

To let posterity judge his work. All bitterness of bygone strife 

He had removed from the mother land, and also from our national life; 

Thus cementing all those whose language and institutions are the same, 

Whose destinies are one, drawing together the English-speaking name, 

28 



Those whose interests are inseparable. The joys of the one 

Are now the joys of the other, the prosperity of the one 

Brings prosperity to the other. The sorrows of one 

Bring sorrows to the other, each being but a part of the one 

Indissoluble are joined in one. Surely McKiniey has justlv won 

Immortality. Let no man ever gainsav it; our posterity 

Will call him blessed. Perhaps tho' now judged by some with severity. 

Trace his course and policy since first elected President, 

How great was his growth of mind, and how broad indeed was it's bent; 

How great was liis mission ; how great a ruler he had become; 

There were many that were opposed to liim, even these gave him respect. 

So full of love was he for his fellow-men that none could expect 

29 



To iincl any malice in his quiet demeanor and conduct. 
Surely he was an evolution of the times, America's product. 
Grasping those higher instincts that God to man has given, 
These instincts impelled him to speak as through life he'd striven. 
The sentiments he voiced were such that men heard and marvelled 
Sentiments so lofty, so great, as it of wisdom distilled. 
Many in view of after events considered that his message. 
Was a message from God, all'thoughout its passage; 
These are his words, omitting rhyme but not the meter. 
To let the world have his own words, sounding all the sweeter 
1^'or not any taking from and adding to, as in rhyme and rhythm. 
These are his words as near as possible as he gave them. 

30 



Let no man who reads them ever forget them. 

Thus he spoke to the assembled multitude at Buffalo, 

In well-chosen words, in measured tones and slow : 

''In this city I am no stranger and to whose good will 

I am already indebted, so i have still further reason 

For satisfaction, for I meet her representatives 

Of foreign povyers, as well as Canada and other 

British colonies, French colonies and in addition 

Those from the republics of Central America, 

Of Cuba and Porto Kico and South America. 

These are with us in this comprehensive undertaking. 

Expositions are the timekeepers of growth and progress. 

31 



They record an advance in the progress of thxie and the world. 

They stimulate energy, enterprise and invention. 

They quicken human genius, they broaden and brigliten 

The daily lives of the people, they open store liouses 

Of the intellect to the student, they educate, 

They instruct the brain and the hand of man, thus promo ting 

Friendly rivalry, which spurs industrial progress, 

Inspiring invention, further effort and endeavor. 

The quest of trade is an incentive to devise, invent. 

Improve and economize in cost and in production. . 

Business life is a struggle for success, and in future 

It will become a greater struggle for supremacy. 

32 



Without competition we sliaJl be clinging to old ideas. 

Advancement would be at a standstill and effort quite lost. 

Thougii we should be commercial competitoi's in all things, 

Yeb commercial enemies we should refrain from being. 

The combined wisdom and energy of all the nations 

Are none too great for the world's work, so great indeed is it. 

The success of art, of science, and of all industry 

Is of world-wide importance and common glory. 

How near indeed is one part of the wo fid to another. 

Modern invention lias Ifnit the world closer together: 

We are getting to know one another very much better. 

Geographic, political differences will exist; 
L.ofC. 33 



But distances have been effaced, we are fast becoming 
Cosmopolitan, and exchange and mingle with the world 
As we have never done before in the history of our growth. 
Prices are fixed with precision by the laws of demand. 
Isolation is no longer possible or desirable. 

All tliroughout Christendom the same news is read the same day. 
Public opinion moulds the political course of the nation. 
Vast investments seeic foreign 'and distant shores for profit. 
Tiie tick of the cable conducts vast international business. 
Every event of interest is methodically chronicled. 
All this is made possible by the genius of invention. 
We Imew instantly tire shot fired at Santiago. 



Tliere was not at the beginning of Clie nineteenth century 

A mile of steam railroad upon the broad expanse of the globe; 

Now we have enough miles to circuit the earth many times. 

Nor was then a single line of electric telegraph; 

JSTow we have a vast mileage traversing all lands and seas. 

God and man have united nations indissolubly together. 

No one nation can any longer be indifferent to another. 

As we grow and are brought n^ore in contact with one another, 

There arises less occasion for misunderstandings. 

We desire now to settle matters by arbitration; 

Which is the noblest forum and tribunal for settlement 

Of all international disputes and differences. 

35 



Trade statistics show this coantry to be great 

In prosperity and unexampled business activity. 

The figures are almost appalling, almost alarming. 

We are utilizing our fields, our forests, and our mines. 

To many we are giving profitable employment. 

Comfort and happiness are thereby brought to many homes, 

And also are the people helped towards saving for old age. 

All are now partners in this ihdustrial revival. 

Our duties lie in the care and safety of their savings; 

Their saf:; investment demands the nighest integrity. 

Vast is our business built up thro' years of struggle and toil. 

No sordid or narrow policy will subserve its ends. 

36 



Wisdom and skill on the part of our manufactures 
Can alone iiope to hold and increase Our production. 
Only a broad and wise policy can keep wliat we have. 
Reciprocity in trade is the only true and just solution. 
We are in need of direct lines of commerce from producer 
To consumer, to carry expeditely from seller to buyer. 
We should have more ships under the x\meric&n flag, 
Ships built here in America and owned by Americans. 
We must build and also own the Isthmian Canal; 
Thus we will have a more direct line of communication 
With Western Mexico, Central and South America. 
Blaine was a man whose mind was ever on the alert 

37 



For a larger commerce and a truer fraternity 

Of all tlie small and great republics of tiie l^ew World. 

This good work will go on, it surely cannot be stopped. 

New thoughts will be awakened and new ambitions fired. 

Higher achievements svill be wrought. All our great interests 

Are in concord not in conflict. Our real eminence rests 

Not in the bloody victories of war and destruction, 

But in the victories of peace and great commerce. 

Let all for their own and for the world's good be moved to higher effort: 

And out of this will come greater commerce, and more than this 

Closer relations of mutual respect and friendship, 

Friendship tiiat will deepen and endure. Our earnest prayer is 

38 



Tiiat God will graciously vouchsafe to all our neighbors 

Happiness^ Peace and Prosperity; and like blessings 

To all the peoples of the earth." 

This was his last Message to the world and to the people. 

So great! So grand ! So Christian in spirit and conception ! 

That we would shrink from making any comments on it. 

Thus we must close these lines. They were his sad and solemn death song. 

The man that spake these words is dead; his earthly work is o'er; 

His Spirit in this World he shed, he sleeps to rise no more. 



s.- 



1 COPY Oa. TO CAT, OIV. 
FEB. 15 1902 



FEB. 20 1902 



